Suzuki has taken the retro route with two new models launched on its award-winning 800 platform.
The GSX-8T and GSX-8TT, due in the showroom this month, combine retro spirit with next-generation performance.
The 8T takes styling cues from classic bikes of the 1960s and 1970s, such as the iconic Suzuki T500, while the 8TT is inspired by faired race bikes of the period, such as the legendary Yoshimura GS1000 AMA superbike.
Dave Willis said: “I love them. It’s a great use of a great engine. The designs are very pleasing, they are what people are looking for at the moment.
“The colour schemes are very nice and a good excuse to buy a new retro-style helmet to match!
“We’re expecting them in the showroom by early August.”
Both use Suzuki’s 776cc parallel-twin engine with its 270-degree crankshaft design, which gives it unrivalled drive and low-down power. Double overhead cams and four valves per cylinder enable a free-revving nature.
An electronics suite comprises traction control, power modes, bi-directional quickshifter and colour TFT screen.
The 8T and 8TT get a new fuel tank, seat, seat unit and handlebars with bar-end mirrors.
The 8T has a new round headlamp with full LED lighting, blending modern technology with classic styling. The 8TT adds a headlight cowling, like that on vintage road race machinery from the 1970s and 80s, for added weather protection.
The 8TT also gets a lower cowling under the engine further enhancing its racier aesthetic.
The new 16.5-litre fuel tank connects to new radiator shrouds each side – brushed silver on 8T and black on 8TT – with a circular GSX8 logo.
The new seat, inspired by the tuck-and-roll seats of the 1960s and 70s, slots onto the top of the subframe of the 8T, uses high-density foam for enhanced comfort. The 8TT’s seat has a flatter top, more reminiscent of race bike seats.
With a matt finish to its black seat unit, brushed radiator shrouds, gold upside-down forks and black wheels, the GSX-8T will be available with a Candy Burnt Gold, Metallic Matt Steel Green or Metallic Matt Black fuel tank.
The 8TT has black forks and adds more pops of colour and retro racing flair thanks to striped decals on its tank and cowling, with matching wheels.
A Glass Sparkle Black variant has red wheels and red and gold decals, while a Pearl Matt Shadow Green version gets gold wheels and gold and bronze stripes.
The punchy parallel twin engine produces 82.9PS at 8,500rpm and 78Nm of torque at 6,800rpm.
A short exhaust muffler provides an exciting exhaust note.
There are twin 310mm discs up front and a 240mm rear disc.
A modern colour TFT screen has rev counter, speedo, gear position indicator and displays traction control setting – with three available plus off – and A, B or C power mode.
A USB Type-C fast-charging socket is standard.
The GSX-8T is £9,599 on the road and the GSX-8TT £9,999.
Suzuki’s standard three-year warranty can be extended up to seven years with regular scheduled servicing at a Suzuki dealership.
Find out more on our website at:
orwell.co.uk/suzuki/new-suzuki-motorcycle-range/street/gsx-8t
orwell.co.uk/suzuki/new-suzuki-motorcycle-range/street/gsx-8tt
